The chairman of the Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Dr Ayotunde Fasunla, on Thursday disclosed that two doctors died of Lassa fever in the state.
Fasunla stated this while briefing newsmen in Ibadan, the state capital.
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He said: “While we thought that COVID-19 had done its worst, we are now dealing with another onslaught of a Lassa fever outbreak.
“Furthermore, we are worried about other health workers who have had contact with the disease unknowingly.
“We have advised them to quarantine and report if they develop any symptoms of viral haemorrhagic fever.”
He urged doctors in the state to treat all febrile illnesses with a high index of suspicion.
“We have instructed our colleagues to be cautious and vigilant at all times, not only for the sake of their health and safety but also in the interest of the patients and public health.”
Meanwhile, the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan has raised the alarm over the outbreak of Lassa fever in the state.
The management of UCH, in a circular, said: “This is to draw the attention of the entire members of staff to the current outbreak of Lassa fever in the country.
“According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the most affected states are Ondo, Edo and Bauchi.
“Since the beginning of 2022, a total number of 1,992 suspected Lassa fever cases have been recorded in 33 states, majorly in Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Benue, Taraba, Ebonyi, Oyo and Enugu States.
“As at 18th February 2022, the total number of confirmed cases was 450, with 86 deaths recorded. About 30 health care workers are affected.”
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